Tasters - April

Katy Salter dishes up the local gastro need-to-know.

BEL-AIRThe fresh branch of Bel-Air (see what we did there?) is now open. A hit at its original Shoreditch site, the California-influenced café has now opened on New Fetter Lane. The menu created by head chef Em Fuller promises sunshine on a plate. Think colourful, nutritious dishes like poached eggs with lobster ceviche or pineapple house granola for breakfast. Up your lunch game with charred pumpkin falafel or roasted sweet potato and black bean salad. There are juices on tap, or get your kicks the old-fashioned way with bottomless Ozone filter coffee.www.bel-air.co

EXMOUTH GRINDNot long ago we welcomed Grind to EC1 (Clerkenwell Grind on Old Street). Now the growing café-bar group has announced an Exmouth Market site. Exmouth Grind boasts a 90-cover restaurant and bar headed up by Kyle Boyce, formerly of Soho House. His new dishes include wild boar benedict with preserved lemon hollandaise and nduja- baked eggs for brunch. Caffeine-heads haven’t been forgotten either – try the Grind affogato or chocolate parfait with Grind espresso strudel for pud.www.grind.co.uk

MARK HIX MBEThe Post’s food columnist is never one to rest on his laurels. Hix is teaming up with fellow chefs and food writers for a series of intimate dinners at his 12-seat Kitchen Library above Tramshed in Shoreditch. The Kitchen Library dinners see Hix partner with the likes of Jose Pizarro, author Tim Hayward, Angela Hartnett and Vivek Singh of The Cinnamon Club. Hix and his guests will cook four courses matched with wines and cocktails. The Kitchen Library dinner series starts on 27 March with Mitch Tonks.www.hixrestaurants.co.uk